This piece is for PhoenixWoodworm, who reviewed my other piece. Thanks for your review, Phoenix! It means a lot!

Chanson de Geste:

A Prequel to La Chanson de Roland

*Prologue*

"Ave Maria, gratia plena, dominus tecum..."

The chapel echoed with the gentle cadence of the prayer, the whisper rustling in the still air like leaves, murmuring like a river.

"...benedicta tu, in mulieribus..."

The words grew louder, more rushed, more frantic—

"...et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus..."

There was a sudden clink as something slipped to the floor—the rattling of beads against the stone—the creaking of the prie dieu as someone shifted—bent—the door opened, and a shadow loomed over the floor, reaching out, long and stretched, toward the steps of the altar.

"What are you doing here, child?"

The question coincided with the muttered "Sancta Maria", and the syllables snapped together, sharp in the silence of the chapel.

"Praying."

"What for?" Not accusatory. Simply curious, kind, wondering.

"For peace. For my country. For my king. For my family and friends. For me."

A sigh, rippling through the chapel like trickling water. And then the creaking of a second prie dieu.